Major Sheila B.
May 18, 1952 –March 10, 2010
“For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21
Sheila B., courageous Christian; loving mother and wife; inspiring, faithful servant of God; and passionate Salvation Army Officer, was promoted to Glory Wednesday, March 10. She left this world “a legacy of faith, hope, love, and a passion for souls!”, as she exchanged her cross for a crown.
Born Sheila Stewart in Dundee, Scotland, she was an officer for nearly 26 years, and was a first generation Salvationist. She was brought up in the Church of Scotland, but came to the Army through a corps youth group at age 16. She was commissioned as an officer with the Overcomers Session in 1976 and served in three appointments in the British Territory as commanding officer in Shepherd's Bush, West Bromich and Smallthorne (Stoke-on-Trent) in England. Sheila briefly left officership to complete her nursing program when she was introduced to Steve Bradley by a mutual officer friend, then Captain Doug O'Brien, whom Steve was living with at the time.
Sheila’s courtship with Steve began during her first visit to the USA in 1981. Steve came along with the O'Briens to Yosemite to keep Sheila company. In fact, the first time they ever held hands was on a lazy afternoon while lying on the shores of the Merced River in Yosemite Valley. Steve turned to Sheila and asked if she heard a strange sound. After a brief pause, and in her lovely Scottish brogue, she replied "Yes, I doo." When they looked up to identify the source of this unique noise, they saw a man in a rubber raft, fishing hat over his face and fishing line over the side, and a boom box blaring BAGPIPES! It was wonderful harbinger of things to come in their relationship.
Following a long distance courtship, the two were married in January 1983 at the Torrance Corps. She became a licensed nurse in California in 1984 prior to entering the School for Officers Training with Steve. As a cadet spouse she served in the THQ Community Relations Department.
Two of Sheila’s great joys in life came with the birth of her son, Jonathan Stewart B. on May 26, 1985 and the birth of her daughter, Aleen Joy B. on January 19, 1987. She loved being a mother to both of her children and enjoyed even more being able to see them grow into a young man and young woman committed to the Lord.
To Aleen, Sheila was more than a mother, but a best friend, a confidant and the truest example of Christ’s love and light in the world. To Jonathan, Sheila was not only a mother but the person he strives to model his life after, as she was the best example of a Christian life he has ever known.
Sheila lived a Holy life, and was equally comfortable in the presence of kings and commissioners, as well as paupers and pimps, at home or in public. She had a passion for souls, and cared more for others’ comfort than her own. Money and possessions meant very little to her. People, especially her children and husband, mattered most.
She was a gifted vocalist, and enjoyed singing duets with her husband and singing in the Songsters. She was legendary among Cadets for her personal counseling skills, able to discern, “sort out” and be both direct and gracious. It was often said by those who received her counsel, that she “could dress you down, but you always came away thanking her for it.” She was a natural and very capable leader who took on responsibility without being asked, and always finished what she started.
Together they enjoyed corps appointments in Glendale, CA and Seattle Temple, WA; staff assignments at Territorial Headquarters Program Department; the College for Officer Training; and the publications department at National Headquarters where Sheila was the Circulation Manager.
Until her promotion to Glory, Sheila served with Steve on the staff of Southern California Divisional Headquarters , as Associate Divisional Secretary for Program. Majors B. enjoyed a dynamic mission partnership giving leadership while also participating in fellowship, teaching, and worship in the Corps.
Sheila survived breast cancer having had a mastectomy in 1989. In 2004, upon return from the International College for Officers in London, her right arm broke and, after several other bone fractures, she was eventually diagnosed with multiple myeloma. She had a total of three stem cell transplants, two from her own stem cells, and the latest from a donor in November 2008. She returned to work full-time after each of these procedures operating at full-speed in her own indomitable spirit up until her most recent admission to hospital on February 21.
Through it all, Sheila remained resilient, steadfast in her faith, and always genuine in her joyous, encouraging expression of love for God demonstrated in her love for others.
Sheila is survived by her husband, Steve; son, Jonathan, a professional musician and recent graduate California State University Long Beach; daughter, Aleen, a recent graduate of Azusa Pacific University currently employed at Southern California Divisional Headquarters; brother, William Scott, living in Scotland; and several nephews, nieces and cousins.
The Celebration of Life Service for Major Sheila B. will be held on Saturday, March 20, 2010, at 2:00 pm, at Pasadena Tabernacle Corps. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Pasadena Tab Youth Chorus in Sheila's memory.
Judith Smith, Major
Assistant Secretary for Personnel Officer Services
No comments:
Post a Comment